Written by Megan Smith, PT
For people requiring support to move between beds, chairs, or wheelchairs, Hoyer lifts offer a secure transfer solution. This reduces the physical strain on caregivers, who are among the most injury-prone workers in healthcare.
These lifts, equipped with a sturdy frame, a hydraulic system, and a sling attachment, enhance caregiver safety and patient mobility. Our selection of the top five Hoyer lifts focuses on providing comfort and reliability, ensuring a safe experience during every transfer.
A Hoyer lift, named after its inventor Ted Hoyer, is an assistive mobility device with a unique design. It features a tall pole with a U-shaped base and a horizontal arm or bar with hooks or a cradle or spreader bar on top. Attached to these hooks or bars is a sling suspended by metal clips or loops. This sling allows patients to be raised, lowered, and moved with the help of the hydraulic system and movable arm, providing a safe and comfortable transfer experience.
There are several operating instructions along with safety tips and precautions a caregiver will need to be aware of to operate a Hoyer patient lift with confidence, including:
When a patient requires 90 to 100 percent assistance to move between bed, chair, toilet, wheelchair, etc.
In clinical settings, two caregivers are usually required. For home use, once a caregiver is properly trained, one person can safely operate a Hoyer lift. However, not all styles can be operated by a single caregiver, so it’s important to determine what models require two attendants.
A patient who is 90 percent or more immobile has the space available to accommodate a lift, and the level of caregiver assistance available to the patient all determine if a Hoyer lift is an appropriate mobility tool.
If a patient has some weight-bearing ability, a Hoyer lift can be a supportive aid to help them move through the day. For mostly immobile users, a Hoyer lift will allow them to safely accomplish day-to-day activities that require them to move from place to place.
Basic manual Hoyer lifts cost around $500, while the most expensive electric lifts can be in the $15,000 range. The lifts featured on our list range in price from about $700 to $3500.
Yes! The most popular versions are the portable models, as featured in this article, which simplify moving patients from room to room in safety and comfort.
 | LEVANTAR Heavy-Duty Floor Patient Lift by Drive Medical View Product |
The LEVANTAR Floor Patient Lift by Drive Medical claims the number five spot on our list of best Hoyer lifts. This robust lift supports patients up to 500 pounds with its 6-point cradle that is compatible with various slings, featuring a wide base to ensure patient comfort by minimizing sling compression. Buyers can choose between a manual or battery-powered base.
This lift has 3-inch front casters and larger, stable 5-inch sealed locking casters at the rear for secure maneuverability. Its boom arm can be lowered to lift a patient directly from the floor. Dual LCD displays provide caregivers with clear operational views from multiple angles, and a visual battery indicator keeps track of charging needs. Audio alerts for battery status, weight overload, and maintenance needs can be set, along with a customizable maintenance schedule to ensure timely upkeep.
Safety features include a safety stop to prevent accidents during operation. It comes with a battery and an external charging stand, offering the convenience of charging on or off the lift. White glove in-home assembly service is available to ensure hassle-free setup. This lift's combination of heavy-duty capabilities, advanced features, and sleek design earns its place in our top five.
 | PL400EF Electric Patient Lift by Bestcare - Foldable and Portable View Product |
Ranked fourth on our list is the PL400EF Lift - Electric Foldable Portable Transportable Mobile from Bestcare. This lift ensures that disabilities do not hinder access to essential activities like work, medical appointments, and social visits. Compact enough to fold and fit in a car trunk yet robust enough to safely handle up to 400 pounds, it blends portability with power.
The lift is designed for easy storage, folding swiftly in three steps to fit under a bed or closet. It offers versatility with a standard 2-point spreader bar that also supports 4- and 6-point slings. Smooth rolling is achieved with 4-inch rear casters equipped with brakes and dual 3-inch front casters steered via handlebars.
Once folded, it measures 46 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 11 inches high, lifting from 18.3 inches to a maximum of 67 inches. Its legs expand to 37.7 inches to accommodate larger wheelchairs. Safety features include an audible warning for weight overload or low battery and a manual release for lift or battery failures. Some assembly is required, and it comes with a 3-year limited warranty, with options to add a scale, an extra battery, and a charging cradle.
Its compact size and foldability make the PL400EF Lift a standout choice in our top five!
 | Medline Electric Hoyer Lift - Adjustable Base and 6-Point Cradle View Product |
The Electric Patient Lift with Power-Adjustable Base by Medline, designed for bariatric patients, takes the number 3 spot on our list of best Hoyer lifts. Available in two models with weight capacities of 450 and 700 pounds, this lift not only ensures patient comfort and safety through optimal weight distribution but also reduces the physical burden on caregivers. It operates effortlessly, lifting from the floor up to 66 inches for the 450-pound model and 71 inches for the 700-pound model, thereby eliminating manual lifting and reducing potential strain.
Featuring a 6-point cradle that stabilizes and supports during transfers, this lift is compatible with a wide variety of slings. It is controlled by a user-friendly remote that adjusts height and leg width with simple foot pedal operation, fitting easily around furniture and bariatric wheelchairs. The lift includes locking casters for added stability, and its removable battery charges directly from a standard outlet, providing up to 100 lifts per charge.
Additional features include an optional onboard charging station and training arms for the 700-pound capacity model. To simplify setup, a white-glove in-home assembly service by a qualified technician is also available, allowing immediate use without the hassle of assembly.
 | Hoyer HML400 Hydraulic Manual Lift View Product |
The Hoyer HML400 Hydraulic Manual Lift, our number 2 pick in the Hoyer Classic series, is a versatile and reliable patient mobility solution. It features an ergonomically placed hydraulic pump handle that allows operation from either side, making it user-friendly for caregivers. The lift's adjustable base ensures easy access for toileting and seating, enhancing patient comfort during transfers. Designed to support up to 400 lbs, this lift disassembles quickly for convenient storage and transport. Its multi-use cradle system accommodates 2, 4, and 6-point slings, offering flexibility in various care settings. The angular design not only gives it a distinct appearance but also contributes to patient safety and comfort by reducing sling sway during transfers.
 | Molift Smart 150 Lightweight Portable Patient Lift View Product |
The Molift Smart 150 Patient Lift by R82 claims the top spot on our list, praised for its compact design and TSA approval for air travel. This electric Hoyer lift excels in tight spaces, capable of lifting from the floor to a height of 65 inches, and maneuvers effortlessly to facilitate patient transfers at home, school, or while traveling. It supports up to 330 pounds and features a 4-point sling bar that ensures safe and comfortable positioning with Molift slings, whether the patient is lying down or sitting.
Designed with travel in mind, this lift is easily portable, breaking down into two parts or folding without needing tools. It includes a travel case and stores conveniently under a bed or in a closet. The legs adjust manually for easy access, enhancing its practicality.
The lift has an automatic service notification system, electric and manual lowering functions, and an emergency stop for safety. It offers a smooth lifting experience with variable speeds and comes with a rechargeable battery and an electronic lifting counter to track usage patterns—valuable data for Molift engineers' annual inspections. Each lift includes an instructional DVD, power pack battery, charger, and hand control. The ease of use during travel significantly contributes to its number-one ranking.
In our exploration of the top Hoyer lifts, we've prioritized safety, reliability, and ease of use, recognizing the critical role these devices play in providing mobility and independence to individuals with limited mobility. While all our picks offer exceptional features and benefits, the Molift Smart 150 Lightweight Portable Patient Lift stands out as our top recommendation.
The Molift Smart 150 combines compact design with exceptional functionality, making it ideal for use in most settings, including air travel, thanks to its TSA approval. The lift's inclusion of an automatic service notification system, rechargeable battery, and electronic lifting counter further enhances its practicality and safety features.
Rehabmart carries a complete catalog of patient lifts and accessories. If you’d like more information on choosing the best patient lift for your situation, check out Caregiver University for articles on best practices and buyer’s tips!
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
